Pistons' Allen Iverson wants to avoid medication

WASHINGTON -- Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson says he wants to get back on the floor as soon as possible, with Tuesday's game at Cleveland his most likely return date.

But he's not willing to do so if it requires him to be medicated for the pain that he knows he'll continue to experience in his back.

"That's what I don't want to do," Iverson said of being medicated for the pain. "As bad as I want to get out there on the court, I just want to do what's right for me. I don't want to go out there and feel good while I'm out there, and feel awful when the game is over and not heal at all."

Iverson, who hasn't played since Feb. 25 at New Orleans, said his conditioning needs a lot of work.

"(Friday) I played 12 minute half court, and I felt like I was going to die," Iverson said. "I'm just looking forward to getting some run in."

However, Iverson's conditioning won't be as big an issue because he will be coming off the bench now, which Curry said on Saturday will to some degree limit his minutes.

James out for season
Former Pistons guard Mike James suffered a break in his right pinkie during practice on Friday and will be out for the remainder of this season. James, who was acquired from New Orleans on Dec. 10, was a member of Detroit's 2004 NBA championship team.